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Dr. Vikas, Psychiatrist

Category: Mental Health

Satisfied Customers: 2222

Experience: MBBS ; M.D Psychiatry, MS. Health Informatics

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My wife has been bi polar for 20 years. Over the last 6 years

Customer Question

My wife has been bi polar for 20 years. Over the last 6 years episodes of mania have been increasing and more severe. She was in hospital in March and medication on her discharge was increased to Lithium 1000mg Sodium Valproate 1500mg and Amisulpride 800mg.She was fine until we came to the Philippines ( + 8 hours ) since then she has not slept more than 4 hours per night ( 4 weeks ) and at least 4 nights has not slept at all.

She is in complete denial and doesn't think there is a problem because she feels fine

She refuses to see a doctor as she doesn't think there's a problem but she is hallucinating, hearing voices and getting very agitated and abusive - in short bursts. To my mind she is on the brink of a major relapse but her present medication seems to be stopping her going right over the edge - at the moment

I know sleep would be the answer but I have no way of making her sleep

I can understand your situation and totally agree with you that she is on the brink of relapse but unfortunately simply sleeping for 6-8 hours at night alone will not be sufficient enough in her case in my view.

Dr Vikas :

The dose of Sodium Valproate or Lithium needs to be increased by her doctor and this should help. In addition to increase in the dose, adding benzodiazepines like Lorazepam 2 mg at night may also help in sleeping.

Dr Vikas :

If it is possible for you to consult any doctor nearby you, you can discuss with him or her to increase the dose of Sodium Valproate and add Lorazepam and this can be helpful.

Customer:

My wife was on Nitrazipam for a little while but it didn't seem to help. She won't go to see a doctor here because " she feels great"

Dr Vikas :

You have already increased the dose of Amisulpride and this will also help in controlling her hallucinations.

Dr Vikas :

Well, it is a typical feature of psychotic illness.

Dr Vikas :

Is it possible for you to take her on the basis of some medical ground, for example, headache, bodyache or any other similar symptoms.

Customer:

It's about all I can try now

Dr Vikas :

I know, how difficult it is to deal with a patient having active psychotic symptoms and do appreciate your efforts but this is the possible option right now.

Dr Vikas :

How many days before you increased the dose of Amisulpride?

Dr Vikas :

are you there?

Customer:

Sorry I was distracted

Dr Vikas :

no problem.

Customer:

I increased the Amisulpride 2 weeks ago

Dr Vikas :

ok, so doing this may also help

Dr Vikas :

Increase in the dose of Valproate should also help

Customer:

My wife is sitting here laughing to herself at the moment and can't understand how I can think there's something wrong because she's happy

Dr Vikas :

and for sleep, Lorazepam 2mg can be a useful addition at night.

Customer:

What can the valproate be increased to

Dr Vikas :

well, the dose range of Valproate can be from 750 mg to approximately 2500 mg / 3000 mg per day depending on the clinical symptoms and physical condition.

Dr Vikas :

Since she is currently on 1500 mg, so a increase by 500 mg and making it 2000 mg per day by her doctor can be a good option in my view.

Customer:

I know she has been on higher doses before than she is now but it's always been in the hospital

Dr Vikas :

If it is possible for you to speak to her doctor on phone, you can do that also.

Dr Vikas :

well, any where in the world, this is how a patient is managed. If he or she is suffering from active psychotic symptoms the dose is kept high and then the dose is decreased. If there is a relapse, again the dose is increased if needed.

Customer:

That's something I'll try - She normally does listen to what a doctor says - she always thinks I have an ulterior motive - another typical response

Dr Vikas :

good, you can try it and hopefully she will comply to what her doctor says.

Customer:

Thank you for your help and advice

Dr Vikas :

You are most welcome.

Dr Vikas :

Thanks for coming to JA.

Dr Vikas :

If you are satisfied with my answer, please rate one of the positive ratings (3,4,5) as this is the only way how we are compensated for our time and expertise.

I will tell you that...the things you have to go through to be an Expert are quite rigorous.

What Customers are Saying:

I can go as far as to say it could have resulted in saving my sons life and our entire family now knows what bipolar is and how to assist and understand my most wonderful son, brother and friend to all who loves him dearly.
Thank you very muchCorrie MollPretoria, South Africa

I can go as far as to say it could have resulted in saving my sons life and our entire family now knows what bipolar is and how to assist and understand my most wonderful son, brother and friend to all who loves him dearly.
Thank you very muchCorrie MollPretoria, South Africa

I thank-you so much! It really helped to have this information and
confirmation. We will watch her carefully and get her in for the
examination and US right away if things do not improve. God bless you as
well! ClaudiaAlbuquerque, NM

Outstanding response time less than 6 minutes. Answered the question professionally and with a great deal of compassion. KevinBeaverton, OR

Suggested diagnosis was what I hoped and will take this info to my doctor's appointment next week.I feel better already! Thank you.ElanorTracy, CA

Thank you to the Physician who answered my question today. The answer was far more informative than what I got from the Physicians I saw in person for my problem.JulieLockesburg, AR

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I have been dealing with an extremely serious health crisis for over three years, and one your physicians asked me more questions, gave me more answers and encouragement than a dozen different doctors who have been treating me!! Janet VPhoenix, AZ

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